JP2004355714A - Recording medium drive device, program for recording medium drive, storage medium, and recording medium driving method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To extremely facilitate and simplify the handling of each recording layer when recording or reproducing the operation of information for an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers is performed. <P>SOLUTION: A rule for handling an information recording medium of a single layer can be adapted except selecting operation of recording layers 21, 22, 23 by handling each recording layer 21, 22, 23 of an information recording medium 1 regarding virtually as a single independent recording medium, handling of each recording layer 21, 22, 23 can be made extremely easy and simple. As an example, it is regraded that a plurality of logical drive devices 2a, 2b, 2c exist virtually for each recording layer 21, 22, 23, changer usage can be performed by selecting these logical drive devices 2a, 2b, 2c. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information recording medium such as an optical disk (CD-ROM / CD-R / CD-RW / DVD-ROM / R / RW / RAM / DVD + RW / + R), a magneto-optical disk (MO / MD), a magnetic disk ( HD, FD) and the like, a recording medium drive device and a recording medium drive program for recording or reproducing information on or from an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers mainly in various environments such as a computer system and a recorder. , A storage medium for storing the program, and a recording medium drive method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there has been a method of recording by changing the recording layer in an analog manner with a magnetic tape or the like, but an optical disk or the like having a plurality of recording layers has appeared. For example, for a read-only DVD-ROM disc, a single-layer optical disc (DVD5) having only a first layer and a multilayer optical disc (DVD9) having a second layer are specified. Furthermore, there are also double-sided versions (DVD10, DVD18). However, at present, a recordable DVD is equivalent to DVD5 compatible, and there is no provision for multilayer recording. The DVD 9 having the second layer is not completely different from the optical disk of the DVD 5 having only the first layer and is almost the same, so that there is little problem in reproduction. Here, the reason why the capacity is not simply doubled is to suppress the mutual interference between the recording layers by slightly lowering the recording density. As described above, the capacity of a medium having a plurality of recording layers is not always an integral multiple of the recording amount per recording layer. Further, the recording method is not always exactly the same, and a method utilizing the characteristics of a plurality of recording layers can be considered. At this point, various physical studies have been made on the multilayer recording method at present, but there are few applications and proposals on the logical recording method.
[0003]
For example, according to the "method and apparatus for recording / reproducing a multi-layer disc" of Patent Document 1, two buffer memories used for temporarily storing data are prepared, one for read-only and one for record-only. A proposal has been made to make reading and writing possible at the same time.
[0004]
According to “Information Recording Medium and Information Recording Apparatus” of Patent Document 2, an example of an apparatus for automatically recording the first to second layers by video recording is disclosed.
[0005]
According to “Multilayer Optical Recording Medium, Recording Method and Recording Apparatus” of Patent Document 3, a rewritable recording medium that performs dummy recording before recording is proposed.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 09-063190 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-09-259527
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-331938 A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Even a hard disk (HD) in which a plurality of recording media (magnetic disks) are set can be regarded as a single device and have a single volume space. This volume space is linearly addressed and can be handled without being aware of the physical space of the recording medium.
[0008]
On the other hand, existing dual-layer DVD-ROMs are not independent for each recording layer, but are determined to form a single volume space. As a result, when recording on such a plurality of recording layers and performing reproduction from the plurality of recording layers, for example,
In what order and from which recording layer to record or reproduce
Is it allowed to stop recording halfway without finishing all recordings?
Whether mixed state of unrecorded area and recorded area is allowed
If there is a mixture, how many places are possible, and how many can be mixed in each layer?
Such a problem occurs.
[0009]
Various methods can be considered for how to handle them. However, no matter what method is used, it is expected that the handling will be complicated, and the compatibility of the recording medium in the middle of recording will be reduced. Is concerned.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to make handling of each recording layer extremely easy and simple when recording or reproducing information on or from an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a recording medium drive device capable of recording or reproducing information on or from an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, each recording layer of the information recording medium is virtually Virtual independent processing means which is treated as a single-layer independent recording medium.
[0012]
Therefore, with respect to an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, each recording layer is virtually regarded as a single-layer independent recording medium. Can be applied as it is, and the handling of each recording layer becomes extremely easy and simple. That is, if the handling is to be regarded as a single-layer recording medium, it can be handled as an extension of the existing recording medium drive device, and no special additional device is required, and the cost of the drive device itself or the development cost is reduced. In addition to keeping it low, it is easy for the user to understand the handling.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium drive according to the first aspect, the virtual independence processing means assigns an independent logical structure to each recording layer of the information recording medium; A plurality of logical drive devices that are virtually allocated to each recording layer of the information recording medium and selected according to a command from the host.
[0014]
Therefore, it is considered that a plurality of logical drive devices virtually exist for each recording layer, and by selecting these logical drive devices, the usage becomes an autochanger, and the invention according to claim 1 can be easily implemented. Can be realized.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium drive according to the first aspect, the virtual independence processing means assigns an independent logical structure to each recording layer of the information recording medium; Virtual replacement means for performing virtual replacement of each recording layer on a single recording medium drive device in accordance with a command from the host side.
[0016]
Therefore, even in the case of a single recording medium drive device, by virtually replacing the recording layers to be handled, it can be used as an autochanger, and the invention described in claim 1 can be easily realized.
[0017]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium drive device according to the second or third aspect, the logical structure independently allocated to each recording layer follows a logical address space that exists independently for each recording layer. It is.
[0018]
Therefore, according to the logical address space that exists independently for each recording layer, it is possible to reliably and easily perform the recording or reproduction processing that is regarded as a single-layer independent recording medium for each recording layer. Here, the logical address is different from a physical address that is recorded in advance on an information recording medium and cannot be changed later by a drive device or the like, and is obtained by referring to the physical address and is recorded at the time of recording, Since it can be set to some extent freely by the drive device, it is highly flexible.
[0019]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium drive device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the setting of switching whether the virtual independence processing unit is enabled or disabled is specified by a command from a host. Setting means for performing the setting.
[0020]
Therefore, depending on the user or the type of the information recording medium, it may not be suitable to treat each recording layer as an independent recording medium. By setting the means to be invalid, it is possible to behave as usual.
[0021]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium drive device according to the fifth aspect, the setting means non-volatilely stores the setting content by the command designation.
[0022]
Therefore, depending on the user, there may be a case where whether to enable or disable the virtual independence processing means is to be handled as a fixed value. However, by storing the setting contents in a nonvolatile manner, this can be easily dealt with.
[0023]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium drive device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a determining means for determining a recording method of the loaded information recording medium, and the information recording medium includes a plurality of recording layers. And an automatic invalidating means for invalidating the virtual independence processing means when it is determined that the information recording medium is a medium recorded according to the existing recording method even if the information recording medium has the information recording medium.
[0024]
Therefore, even an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers is recorded continuously over a plurality of recording layers, and is not suitable for treating each recording layer as an originally independent recording medium. In some cases, such a case can be appropriately dealt with by determining this by the recording method of the information recording medium and automatically disabling the virtual independence processing means.
[0025]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium drive device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, an independent logical structure in which the logical structure of each recording layer of the information recording medium is made continuous and made into a single layer in accordance with a recording end instruction. An invalidating means is provided.
[0026]
Therefore, even after recording is performed for each recording layer in accordance with the virtual independence processing means, when recording on the information recording medium is finally completed, the logical structure of each recording layer is made continuous to make it a single layer. That is, by using a recorded medium continuously recorded over a plurality of recording layers, compatibility with an existing information recording medium can be provided in a subsequent reproduction operation.
[0027]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium drive device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, a command for a recording layer to be operated from the host contradicts a command for other recording layers. In such a case, an inconsistent command restricting unit that performs error processing for the command is provided.
[0028]
Therefore, in terms of logical handling, each recording layer is a virtually independent recording medium. However, because of the physical structure, each recording layer cannot be individually taken out, and contradictory commands are issued between the recording layers. In some cases, however, in such a case, appropriate handling can be achieved by performing error processing.
[0029]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium drive device according to the ninth aspect, the command is a medium removal command, and the inconsistent command restricting means performs error processing only when all recording layers are in a removable state. Instead, the media removal is permitted according to the command.
[0030]
Therefore, in realizing the invention of claim 9, a medium removal command is a typical example. However, by making it possible to remove all the recording layers only when the recording layer is in a removable state, the recording layer in the middle of recording can be recorded. In some cases, it is possible to reliably avoid a problem that the information recording medium is taken out.
[0031]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium drive device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the information recording medium is an optical information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers.
[0032]
Therefore, the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10 can be suitably applied to an optical information recording medium.
[0033]
The functions and effects of the inventions of claims 1 to 11 are the same as those of the program for recording medium drive of the inventions of claims 12 to 22, the storage medium of the invention of claim 23, or the invention of the invention of claim 24. This can also be achieved by a recording medium drive method.
[0034]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The recording medium drive device of the present embodiment shows an example of application to an optical disk drive device using an optical disk (optical information recording medium) 1 as an information recording medium. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of such an optical disk drive device 2, for example, showing a use example in which the optical disk drive device 2 is connected to a host computer 4 as a host through an external interface 3.
[0035]
In the optical disk drive 2, a spindle motor 5 for rotating the optical disk 1 and an optical pickup 6 for converging and irradiating the recording surface of the optical disk 1 with laser light and capturing the reflected light are provided. Also, a rotation control system 7 for controlling the rotation operation of the spindle motor 5, a coarse movement motor control system 9 for controlling the operation of a coarse movement motor 8 for moving the optical pickup 6 in the radial direction of the optical disk 1, and an optical pickup 6 And a signal processing system 11 for controlling a recording operation and a reproducing operation for the optical pickup 6 are provided.
[0036]
A microcomputer (computer) controller including a CPU connected to the host computer 4 through the external interface 3 and controlling the entire optical disk drive 2 via the control systems 7, 9, 10, the processing system 11, and the like. 12 are provided. A non-volatile memory 13 and a buffer memory 14 are connected to the controller 12.
[0037]
Here, in the reproducing operation, data read from the optical disc 1 by the optical pickup 6 and the signal processing system 11 is stored in the buffer memory 14 and transferred to the host computer 4 via the controller 12 and the external interface 3. On the other hand, in the recording operation, the data transferred from the host computer 4 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 14 via the external interface 3 and the controller 12, and the signal processing system 11 and the semiconductor laser of the optical pickup 6 are controlled and controlled. This is performed by irradiating the optical disc 1 with laser light.
[0038]
The controller 12 includes a small but high-speed memory such as a register, and performs high-speed buffer memory operation and digital signal processing, which are standard digital processing. The nonvolatile memory 13 retains various settings even when the power is turned off, and stores data that must be stored for a long period of time, such as the control program itself and control parameters for various media. In the present embodiment, the non-volatile memory 13 functions as a storage medium, and the non-volatile memory 13 stores a recording medium drive program readable by a CPU in the controller 12 as one of the control programs. . It communicates with the host computer 4 via the external interface 3. For PCs, an ATA / ATAPI interface is often used, but SCSI, USB, IEEE 1394, IEEE 802, Serial ATA, and the like are also possible.
[0039]
The communication is performed by issuing a command data string (command) from the host computer 4 and responding to the request by the optical disk drive device 2. Through this command, it is possible to change the recording operation or the reproduction mode, and to instruct the layer, location, size, etc., at which the reproduction or recording is actually performed. When an operation is performed on a different recording layer, a focusing operation by the optical pickup 6 is necessary, so that the switching timing of the recording layer is clear even with a linear address instruction. Basically, the present embodiment is implemented on such an optical disk drive device 2.
[0040]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an optical disk 1 having a multilayer structure that can be recorded or reproduced by the optical disk drive device 2 of the present embodiment.
[0041]
This optical disk 1 is formed in a disk shape as shown in FIG. The cross-sectional laminated structure has a plurality of, for example, three recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, 23, and each of the recording layers 21, 22, as schematically shown in FIG. , 23, a protective layer 24 is interposed. A cover layer 25 is provided on the outermost layer. Each of the recording layers 21, 22, and 23 may be either a write-once type (write-once type: recording can be performed only once) or a rewritable type, but may be further divided into a plurality of fine layers to perform a recording function. There are two or more recording layers on the same recording surface. In such a case, in order to apply a recording signal (laser light) to a recording layer far from the optical pickup 6, the recording signal passes through a recording layer near the optical pickup 6.
[0042]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a physical address configuration in the case of three recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, 23 as shown in FIG. The illustrated example shows a PTP (parallel track path) type example, in which each of the recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, and 23 has a lead-in area (Lin Area) on the inner circumference side and a lead-out area on the outer circumference side. An area (Lout Area), and a data area (Data Area) between them, physical addresses are sequentially allocated from the inner side to the outer side, and each recording layer (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, They are added in order for each of 22 and 23 and are assigned so as to be continuous. In the case of the OTP (opposite track path) type, an intermediate area (Mid Area) is recorded in place of the lead-out area (Lout Area) of the first recording layer (Layer 0) 21 and the second recording layer is kept as it is. (Layer 1) The address setting is such that it is folded back toward the inner circumference side of 22.
[0043]
Here, in the present embodiment, the optical disc drive device 2 performs the recording or reproducing for each of the recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, 23 on the optical disc 1 having such a plurality of recording layers. (Layer 0,1,2) 21, 22, 23 is provided with a function of a virtual independence processing unit that treats virtual storage as a single-layer independent recording medium. Upon receiving the designation, the CPU in the controller 12 can set the function.
[0044]
An example of the function of such a virtual independence processing means will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 shows an example of such a case. For example, when an optical disc 1 having three recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, and 23 as shown in FIG. , There are three logical drive devices (Logic Units 0, 1, 2) 2a, 2b, 2c virtually allocated to the respective recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, 23. By accessing these logical drive devices (Logic Units 0, 1, 2) 2a, 2b, 2c from the host computer 4, the recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, 23 are independent. It is possible to access. The number of logical drive devices increases or decreases according to the number of recording layers.
[0045]
In this case, the access command from the host computer 4 has a field called LUN (Logic Unit Number). By using this field, any logical drive device (Logic Unit 0, 1, 2) 2a, 2b, 2c can be used. The command can be identified. Here, a continuous series of addresses is assigned to the physical address of the optical disk 1 having three recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, 23 as shown in FIG. When considered in units of Layer 0, 1, 2, 21, 23, 23, it is originally set to a unique address, but each recording layer (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, according to the function setting of the virtual independence processing means. When the recording medium 23 is treated as an independent recording medium, the recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, and 23 are treated the same as a single-layer medium. In each of the recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, 23, a logical address structure that is not continuous but independent is assigned. In this example, the logical address structure of the recording layers (Layer 1, 2) 22 and 23 is treated to be the same as the logical address structure of the recording layer (Layer 0) 21 (logical structure allocating means or function). As a result, the recording or reproducing operation can be performed by arbitrarily accessing each of the recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, 23 as in an example described later.
[0046]
FIG. 5 shows another example, in which an optical disc 1 having three recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, 23 as shown in FIG. 2 is inserted and set in the optical disc drive device 2. In this example, the drive device is originally handled as the optical disk drive device 2 itself (Unit 0), but each of the recording layers (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, 23 is virtually a single-layer recording medium 21a, Each of the recording layers (Layers 0, 1, 2) is handled by virtually replacing the recording media 21a, 22a, 23a accessed (loaded) by the optical disc drive device 2 in accordance with an access command from the host computer 4 side. ) It is possible to independently access 21, 22, and 23 (virtual replacement means or function). The number of recording media 21a, 22a, 23a,... Increases or decreases according to the number of recording layers. The assignment of a logical structure (logical address structure) independent for each recording layer is the same as in the case of FIG. In this case, the virtual recording layer may be replaced by selecting a recording layer to be operated by, for example, virtual replacement using a Load / Unload command. As a result, a so-called autochanger-like operation becomes possible, and a recording or reproducing operation can be performed by arbitrarily accessing each of the recording layers (Layers 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, and 23 as in an example described later. it can.
[0047]
Here, the setting means or function for switching and setting whether to enable or disable the virtual independence processing means executed by the CPU in the controller 12 will be described with reference to the schematic flowchart shown in FIG. This process is executed in the function setting mode. If a function setting command for enabling the function of the virtual independence processing unit is specified from the host computer 4 (Y in step S1), the function setting command is accepted. Then, it is stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 (S2), and setting processing for enabling the function is performed (for example, a flag is set) (S3). On the other hand, if the function setting command is not specified (N of S1), the function is invalidated and set to the conventional method (each recording layer (Layer 0, 1, 2) 21, 22, 23 is treated as a continuous recording medium). (S4).
[0048]
Under such a setting condition as to enable or disable the function of the virtual independence processing means, when a medium (optical disk) is inserted into the optical disk drive device 2, the processing is executed by the CPU in the controller 12. An example of processing control will be described with reference to a schematic flowchart shown in FIG.
[0049]
First, when the medium insertion is not detected (N in S11), nothing is performed, but when the medium insertion is detected (Y in S11), the medium is determined (S12). Since the medium discrimination processing is performed using a known technique, the details thereof are omitted. As a result of the discrimination of the medium type, if the medium is a non-recorded medium (S13), nothing can be performed, and the process ends with the setting of the medium type (S14). If the medium is a single-layer recorded medium (S15), the access setting is performed according to the type and state as in the related art (S16). If it is a multilayer recording medium, the number and type of the recording layers are determined (S17). Then, it is determined whether the function of the virtual independence processing means is valid or invalid (S18). If the function of the virtual independence processing means is set to be valid (Y in S18), a setting is made to switch to a mode in which each recording layer is treated as a virtual single-layer independent recording medium, and each recording layer is set. A logical structure for enabling independent access is assigned to each layer (S19; logical structure allocating means or function). Here, in the case of the present embodiment, since the valid setting of the function of the virtual independence processing means is stored and set in the nonvolatile memory 13, it is valid even after the power is turned off.
[0050]
On the other hand, if the function of the virtual independence processing means is not set to be valid (N in S18), access setting is performed according to the type of medium and the state in the same manner as in the case of the single layer (S16).
[0051]
By the way, even in the case of the optical disc 1 having a plurality of recording layers, for example, in the case of a two-layer ROM according to an existing format such as DVD-Video, it is originally handled in the same manner as a single-layer medium. Therefore, it is convenient to handle the medium in the same manner as a single-layer medium. That is, in the case of such a medium, conventional control is sufficient. Even if the function is valid in the check in step S18, the recording method of the loaded medium is determined (S20; determination means or function), If the recording method is a two-layer ROM that conforms to an existing format such as DVD-Video (Y in S21), the access setting according to the type of medium and the state according to the conventional state is handled in the same manner as in the case of the single layer. (S16), the function of the virtual independence processing means may be invalidated (automatic invalidation means or function).
[0052]
If the medium cannot be identified (S22), the medium becomes an unknown medium and is processed as an error (S23).
[0053]
In addition, in the case of the mode illustrated in FIG. 4, an example of access operation control executed after the assignment of the logical structure (S19) will be described with reference to a schematic flowchart illustrated in FIG. This processing is an example of processing control executed when an access command is input from the host computer 4 (Y in S31). If the LUN field included in the command is LU0 (Y in S32), The logical drive (Logic Unit 0) 2a is selected to access the recording layer (Layer 0) 21, and the recording or reproducing operation is executed according to the assigned logical address (S33, S34). Similarly, if the LUN field included in the command is LU1 (N in S32, Y in S35), the logical drive device (Logic Unit 1) 2b is selected to access the recording layer (Layer 1) 22, and is assigned. The recording or reproduction operation is executed according to the logical address (S36, S37). Further, if the LUN field included in the command is LU2 (N in S32, N in S35), the logical drive device (Logic Unit 2) 2c is selected to access the recording layer (Layer 2) 23 and is allocated. The recording or reproducing operation is executed according to the logical address (S38, S39).
[0054]
On the other hand, in the case of the mode illustrated in FIG. 5, an example of the access operation control executed after the logical structure assignment setting (S19) will be described with reference to the schematic flowchart shown in FIG. This processing is an example of processing control executed when an access command is input from the host computer 4 (Y in S31). If the recording layer to be loaded included in the command is Layer 0 (S32). 'Y), the recording layer is replaced as a recording medium, the recording layer (Layer 0) 21 is accessed, and a recording or reproducing operation is executed according to the assigned logical address (S33, S34). Similarly, if the recording layer to be loaded included in the command is Layer 1 (N in S32 ', Y in S35'), the recording layer is replaced as a recording medium and the recording layer (Layer 1) 22 is accessed. Then, a recording or reproducing operation is executed according to the assigned logical address (S36, S37). Further, if the recording layer to be loaded included in the command is Layer 2 (N in S32 ', N in S35'), the recording layer is replaced as a recording medium and the recording layer (Layer 2) 23 is accessed. The recording or reproduction operation is executed according to the assigned logical address (S38, S39).
[0055]
By the way, an example of a recording process (file format) when the method of the present embodiment is used irrespective of the method of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 will be described with reference to a schematic diagram shown in FIG. Here, for simplicity of illustration and description, an example of the optical disc 1 having a two-layer structure will be described. First, FIG. 10A shows an example of an optical disk 1 'having a two-layer structure on which information is recorded by an existing conventional method. In this case, the logical address space (LBA) is set continuously as shown by one layer; 0 to N, two layers; N + 1 to 2N, and is not independent for each of the first and second recording layers. Absent. Usually, an anchor point, which is a place that is always determined to be read first for each file system, is read, and the volume information and the position of the file system are known from the anchor point information. In such a file system, information indicating where and how long each data file exists is recorded. By reading the contents of this file system, the contents of the actual file are read. Can be determined. In the illustrated example, all the data files A to F in the first layer and the second layer are managed by the file system in the first layer. By the way, there are cases where anchor points and file systems exist in multiple places.
[0056]
On the other hand, FIG. 10B shows an example of an optical disc 1 having a two-layer structure on which information is recorded according to the present embodiment. In this case, the logical address space (LBA) is set so that it is not continuous as shown by the first layer; 0 to N, the second layer; An anchor point and a file system are also set independently for each recording layer, and file information is managed for each recording layer. The illustrated example shows a state in which data files A and B in one layer are managed by a file system in one layer and data files D and E in two layers are managed by a file system in two layers. Thus, the single recording layer and the single recording layer can be freely handled as independent recording media having a single-layer structure.
[0057]
By the way, in the optical disc drive device 2 of the present embodiment, there is no need to perform additional recording of data and the like, and a process control example in the case where the host computer 4 issues a recording end (close) command for all recording layers is shown. This will be described with reference to the schematic flowchart shown in FIG. In the command waiting loop (S41), there is a track / session close command (S42), and if it is an instruction to close all recording layers (Y in S43), until there are no unclosed recording layers (Y in S44), A close session process is executed for each recording layer (S45). If it is not an instruction to close all recording layers (N in S43), other close processing is executed (S46).
[0058]
Here, in order to close the recording layer, the data area is made continuous using dummy data or the like, and a lead-in area and a lead-out area (a middle area when the recording layer is not the final recording layer) are added, and this is recorded in all. By performing this operation for each layer, the logical address structure of each recording layer is made continuous to make it a single layer. By this operation, the recording on the optical disc 1 is fixed, and no change is made again. Therefore, the processing of Y, S44 and S45 in step S43 is executed as an independent logical structure invalidating means or function.
[0059]
In the case of the recording example shown in FIG. 10B, the all recording layer closing process is executed as shown in FIG. 10C, for example. That is, after the recording is completed, as shown in FIG. 10C, the logical address structure is converted from a single layer to a continuous two-layer state, and the single-layer file system is replaced with the single-layer file system. It is rewritten and updated so that two layers of file information are also added, and the anchor points in the two layers are erased (in the case of a rewritable optical disk) or ignored so as not to be referred to (in the case of a write-once optical disk). . That is, it is almost the same as the conventional existing system shown in FIG.
[0060]
In the case of the optical disk 1 on which recording has been completed in this way, when the optical disk 1 is loaded again into the optical disk drive device 2, the optical disk 1 has a plurality of (two) recording layers in the determination in step S21 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Even an optical disc is determined to be unsuitable for independent handling for each recording layer (N in S21), and can be handled as before, that is, compatible.
[0061]
Further, in the case of the present embodiment, although it can be treated as an independent recording medium for each recording layer, it is only a virtual one, and physically exists in one optical disc 1 and is individually taken out for each recording layer ( In other words, when a command for a certain recording layer is issued from the host computer 4 side, a contradiction may occur for another recording layer. A method for dealing with such a case will be described with reference to a schematic flowchart shown in FIG. Incidentally, the command input from the host computer 4 has various functions, and the example shown in FIG. 12 does not cover all of these functions.
[0062]
First, in a command waiting loop state (S41), a prohibition (Prevent) state for each recording layer is held in accordance with a medium removal prohibition / permission (Prevent / Allow Medium Removal) command from the host computer 4 side (S51). That is, if the function of the virtual independence processing means as described above is valid for the multilayer recording medium (Y in S52), the target recording layer is stored (S53), and the function becomes valid. If not (N in S52), the medium is prohibited from being taken out (S54, S55) if the Prevent bit is ON (S54, S55), and the medium is allowed to be taken out if the Prevent bit is OFF (S54, S55) for the entire optical disc as a single layer treatment (S54). S54 and S56) are set.
[0063]
In a command waiting loop state in such a situation (S41), when a medium removal command (Start / Stop Unit command) is input from the host computer 4 side, it is a multi-layer recording medium and virtual independence as described above. If the function of the processing means is enabled (Y in S62), the Present of all the recording layers is checked (S63). If the function is not enabled (N in S62), the entire optical disc is treated as a single layer. Then, it is determined whether or not the Prevent of all the recording layers is OFF (take-out permission) (S64). If the Prevent of all the recording layers is not OFF (removal permission) (N in S64), it is determined that the removal command is a contradictory command for other recording layers and error processing is performed (S65), and the recording medium Is forbidden to take out. If Prevent of all recording layers is OFF (removal permission) (Y in S64), the eject operation of the optical disc 1 is executed according to the command (S66). That is, when it is desired to take out the optical disk 1, the medium take-out prohibition command is released for all the recording layers (set to medium take-out permission), and then a medium take-out command is issued. The processing of steps S64, S65, and S66 is executed as an inconsistent command restriction unit or function. Accordingly, for example, even if a medium removal command is issued to another recording layer target during a recording operation on a certain recording layer, an error processing is performed as a contradictory command, and the medium removal is prohibited. There is no inconvenience that the discharging operation is performed during the operation.
[0064]
In the present embodiment, the application example to the optical disk drive device 2 using the optical disk 1 as the information recording medium has been described as the recording medium drive device. However, the present invention is not limited to such an application example, and has a plurality of recording layers. The present invention can be similarly applied to an information recording medium and a drive device suitable for the medium.
[0065]
Further, although the application example to the configuration example in which the host computer (OC) 4 is connected as a host to the optical disk drive device 2 has been described, the host is not limited to such an application example. And the like can be similarly applied to a DVD recorder or the like which integrally has
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
According to the invention described in claims 1, 12, 23, and 24, regarding an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, each recording layer is virtually treated as a single-layer independent recording medium. Other than the operation of selecting the recording layer, the rules for handling a single-layer information recording medium can be applied as it is, and handling of each recording layer can be extremely easily and simplified. That is, if the handling is to be regarded as a single-layer recording medium, it can be handled as an extension of the existing recording medium drive device, and no special additional device is required, and the cost of the drive device itself or the development cost is reduced. In addition to being able to keep it low, it is possible to make the handling easy for the user to understand.
[0067]
According to the second and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, it is assumed that a plurality of logical drive devices are virtually present for each recording layer, and by selecting these logical drive devices, the usage like an autochanger is achieved. Thus, the inventions according to claims 1 and 12 can be easily realized.
[0068]
According to the third and fourteenth aspects of the present invention, even in the case of a single recording medium drive device, the recording layers to be handled are virtually replaced, thereby realizing an autochanger-like usage. It can be easily realized.
[0069]
According to the fourth and fifteenth aspects of the present invention, a recording or reproducing process which is regarded as a single-layer independent recording medium in each recording layer unit is reliably performed according to a logical address space which exists independently for each recording layer. And it can be easily performed.
[0070]
According to the invention of claims 5 and 16, depending on the user or the type of the information recording medium, it may not be suitable to treat each recording layer as an independent recording medium. In such a case, by setting the virtual independence processing means to be invalid, the virtual independence processing means can behave as usual.
[0071]
According to the inventions described in claims 6 and 17, depending on the user, there may be a case where the user wants to treat the virtual independence processing means or its function as valid or invalid as a fixed value. By saving, you can easily deal with it.
[0072]
According to the invention as set forth in claims 7 and 18, even in an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, recording is continuously performed over the plurality of recording layers, and each recording layer is originally an independent recording medium. There is a case where it is not suitable to treat as such, but in such a case, this is determined by the recording method of the information recording medium, and the virtual independence processing means or its function is automatically invalidated. By doing so, appropriate measures can be taken.
[0073]
According to the invention as set forth in claims 8 and 19, even after performing recording or the like in each recording layer unit according to the virtual independence processing means or its function, when the recording on the information recording medium is finally finished, By making the logical structure of the recording layer continuous and making it a single layer, that is, by using a recorded medium that is continuously recorded over a plurality of recording layers, in the subsequent reproduction operation, the existing information recording medium can be used. Can be made compatible.
[0074]
According to the ninth and twentieth aspects of the present invention, each of the recording layers is a virtually independent recording medium in terms of logical handling, but each of the recording layers cannot be individually taken out from the physical structure. Inconsistent commands may be issued between the recording layers, but in such a case, appropriate handling can be dealt with by performing error processing.
[0075]
According to the tenth and twenty-first aspects of the invention, a medium removal command is a typical example for realizing the inventions of the ninth and twentieth aspects. By making it possible, it is possible to reliably avoid a problem that the information recording medium is taken out when there is a recording layer in the middle of recording.
[0076]
According to the eleventh and twenty-second aspects, the invention according to any one of the first to tenth and second to twenty-first aspects can be suitably applied to an optical information recording medium.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a schematic configuration example of an optical disk drive device showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show an optical disk, wherein FIG. 2A is a schematic external view, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the physical address structure.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a logical drive device system.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a replacement method.
FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of a function setting process unique to the embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of processing control when a medium is inserted.
FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an access operation in the case of the method of FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of an access operation in the case of the method of FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a recording example specific to the present embodiment in comparison with a conventional method.
FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of processing control when all recording layers are closed.
FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of processing control for inconsistent commands and the like.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Optical information recording medium, information recording medium
2a to 2c Logical drive device
4 Host
21 to 23 recording layer
21a to 23a recording medium

Claims (24)

In a recording medium drive device capable of recording or reproducing information on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers,
A recording medium drive device comprising: virtual independent processing means for treating each recording layer of the information recording medium as a virtually single-layer independent recording medium when recording or reproducing information. The virtual independence processing means,
Logical structure assigning means for assigning an independent logical structure for each recording layer of the information recording medium,
A plurality of logical drive devices which are virtually allocated to each recording layer of the information recording medium and selected according to a command from the host side,
2. The recording medium drive device according to claim 1, comprising: The virtual independence processing means,
Logical structure assigning means for assigning an independent logical structure for each recording layer of the information recording medium,
Virtual replacement means for performing virtual replacement of each recording layer on the single recording medium drive device according to a command from the host side,
2. The recording medium drive device according to claim 1, comprising: 4. The recording medium drive according to claim 2, wherein the logical structure independently assigned to each recording layer follows a logical address space that exists independently for each recording layer. 5. The recording medium drive according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit configured to switch and set whether to enable or disable the virtual independence processing unit by specifying a command from a host. apparatus. 6. The recording medium drive device according to claim 5, wherein the setting unit stores setting contents according to the command designation in a nonvolatile manner. Determining means for determining the recording method of the loaded information recording medium;
Automatic invalidating means for invalidating the virtual independence processing means when it is determined that the information recording medium is a medium recorded by an existing recording method even if the information recording medium has a plurality of recording layers. When,
The recording medium drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: 8. The recording medium drive device according to claim 1, further comprising an independent logical structure invalidating means for making the logical structure of each recording layer of the information recording medium continuous and making it a single layer in accordance with a recording end instruction. . An inconsistent command restricting unit that, when a command for a recording layer to be operated from the host side contradicts another recording layer, performs error processing for the command. 9. The recording medium drive device according to any one of 1 to 8. 10. The command according to claim 9, wherein the command is a medium removal command, and the contradiction command restricting means permits medium removal according to the command without performing error processing only when all recording layers are in a removable state. A recording medium drive device according to claim 1. The recording medium drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the information recording medium is an optical information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers. Installed in a computer provided with a recording medium drive device capable of recording or reproducing information on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, the computer,
A recording medium drive program for executing a virtual independence processing function that handles each recording layer of the information recording medium virtually as a single-layer independent recording medium when recording or reproducing information. The virtual independence processing function,
A logical structure assignment function of assigning an independent logical structure to each recording layer of the information recording medium,
A plurality of logical drive functions that are virtually allocated to each recording layer of the information recording medium and selected according to a command from the host side;
13. The recording medium drive program according to claim 12, comprising: The virtual independence processing function includes:
A logical structure assignment function of assigning an independent logical structure to each recording layer of the information recording medium,
A virtual replacement function for performing a virtual replacement of each recording layer on the single recording medium drive device according to a command from the host side,
13. The recording medium drive program according to claim 12, comprising: 15. The recording medium drive program according to claim 13, wherein the logical structure assigned independently for each recording layer follows a logical address space that exists independently for each recording layer. 16. The computer according to claim 12, further comprising: causing the computer to execute a setting function of switching and setting whether to enable or disable the virtual independence function by designating a command from a host. Program for recording media drive. 17. The recording medium drive program according to claim 16, wherein the setting function non-volatilely stores a setting content specified by the command. A determining function of determining a recording method of the loaded information recording medium;
Even if the information recording medium is determined to be a medium recorded by an existing recording method even if the information recording medium is an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, an automatic invalidation function that invalidates the virtual independence function ,
18. The recording medium drive program according to claim 16, wherein said program is executed by said computer. 19. The computer according to claim 12, wherein the computer executes an independent logical structure invalidating function of making the logical structure of each recording layer of the information recording medium continuous and making it a single layer in accordance with a recording end instruction. Recording media drive program. When a command for a recording layer to be operated from the host side is inconsistent with other recording layers, the computer is caused to execute a contradiction command restriction function that performs error processing for the command. The recording medium drive program according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein: 21. The command according to claim 20, wherein the command is a medium removal command, and the contradiction command restriction function permits medium removal according to the command without performing error processing only when all recording layers are in a removable state. The recording medium drive program according to the above. 22. The recording medium drive program according to claim 12, wherein the information recording medium is an optical information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers. A computer-readable storage medium storing the recording medium drive program according to any one of claims 12 to 22. In a recording medium drive method used in a recording medium drive device capable of recording or reproducing information on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers,
A recording medium drive method, wherein each recording layer of the information recording medium is virtually treated as a single-layer independent recording medium when recording or reproducing information.

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